Renault reveals pics of new Espace

The French manufacturer has shared images of its new Espace MPV, which is set to debut at the Paris Motor Show (October 4-19) before going on sale in 2015. The exterior design is informed by the Initiale Paris concept presented one year ago in Frankfurt.

The Initiale Paris concept has an aluminum and plexiglas roof that displays a map of the French capital (including major roads and the Seine) using lights and transparent layers. The vehicle also stands out for its luxurious interior, complete with a high-end stereo system.

As far as the Espace, the only detail announced by Renault is that the modular five- and seven-passenger seating system has been revised for improved comfort.

More details on the new MPV are expected to surface over the coming days on a dedicated website:crossover.renault.com.

30 years of the Espace

Launched in June 1984, the Renault Espace was nothing short of a revolution in the European car market. In fact, the French manufacturer even claims that the model, which could seat up to 7 passengers, was the world's first multi-purpose-vehicle (MPV). Thirty years later, with over 1.2 million units sold, the Renault Espace is still going strong.

The European equivalent of the Chrysler Voyager, the Renault Espace made its debut in 1984 and was manufactured through a partnership with Matra. Marketed as a versatile vehicle capable of transporting an entire family and its luggage, the Espace is largely credited with popularizing the minivan concept in France during the 1980s.

At the Paris Motor Show in 1994, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its minivan, Renault created a stir by unveiling the Espace F1. This high-performance version of the minivan was equipped with the same RS5 V10 engine used in the world champion title Williams FW15C race car driven by Alain Prost.

Dating from 2012, the current-generation Renault Espace and Grand Espace are in line with the brand's latest visual identity and stand out for their significantly lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.